Halton's pilot project for recycling plant pots and trays an early success

Halton Region launched a pilot project early this summer to allow residents to recycle plastic plant pots and trays at the Halton Waste Management Site. Since starting the pilot on May 24, 2011, Halton Region has already diverted approximately 1.5 tonnes of plastic plant pots and trays for recycling.

Plastic pots and trays are currently not accepted in the Region’s Blue Box program because the plastic is difficult to process with the other acceptable materials, but they can be recycled if they are collected separately.

“Every summer, residents purchase plants for their gardens but are often unsure of what to do with the plastic pots and trays that are left over,” said Halton’s Regional Chair, Gary Carr. “This new pilot project provides Halton residents with another convenient opportunity for recycling and also diverts more plastic material away from the Region’s landfill.”

Residents can continue to drop off their plastic plant pots and trays, free of charge, at the Halton Waste Management Site (HWMS), located at 5400 Regional Road 25 in Milton until October 31, 2011. The Halton Waste Management Site is open every Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Plant pots and trays must be separated based on the plastic identification number (2, 5, 6) listed inside the recycling triangle on the bottom of the pot or tray. Separated containers can be placed into the appropriate bins at the Region’s landfill site. All of the plant pots and trays collected during this pilot program will be recycled in Ontario and made into new plastic products.

Along with the Halton Waste Management Site, some local garden centres are also taking back plant pots and trays, however conditions apply and residents are asked to check with the retailer before dropping off materials. A listing of garden centres taking back plant pots and trays can be found in Halton’s Take It Back! Online directory located at www.halton.ca/waste.

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